ASHVILLE paid the price on Saturday for fielding a weakened side at Cammell Laird, who remain unbeaten on course for the Division One title thanks to a 5-1 success.

Julian Pepper and Alan Goodall each hit a brace for Lairds, who also had Alan McDonald on target, while Andy Woods netted a reply.

Second-half goals from John Thompson and Shaun Holmes earned Mersey Royal maximum spoils from their trip to Shell, who had gone in front via Wayne Foden, but there was no joy for Newton, 4-0 losers at home to Christleton (Paul Jeary, Joe Desormeaux, Paul Hallows, Dave Tills).

On Monday, West Kirby battled to a 0-0 draw at Cammell Laird Reserves, who on Saturday gained a 2-0 verdict at Heswall Reserves with goals by Andy Roberts and Mark Davies.

A Kevin Ryan hat-trick was the feature as Heswall returned to winning ways in midweek with a 4-1 win over Capenhurst Villa (Peter Boyle). With Gordon Harrison also on target, Heswall were able to halt a six match losing run, and on Saturday they continued on the victory trail by coming from behind to overcome Stork.

Paul Wiggans put Stork in front following a free-kick, but Heswall had Craig Campbell, Jamie Griffiths and Nick Williams responding.

A scintillating display by John Goodall saw him hit four goals as Mallaby reached their second final of an excellent campaign. With Kevin Bimpson and Rickie Lamkin also on target, Mallaby ran out 6-0 winners in Wednesday's West Cheshire Shield semi-final against Manor Athletic - and went on better against the same opponents in Saturday's league clash.

Goodall was again among the goals, netting a hat-trick. Stan Dobbs was also on the three goal mark and Manor's misery was completed when they conceded an own goal.